# Effective Altruism on The No Agenda Show

Effective Altruism comes up in 18 chapters across 13 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2023 to October 2026.

- **Chapters:** 18
- **Episodes:** 13
- **Discussed:** November 2023 – October 2026
- **Related topics:** [Anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [Long-termism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-termism.md), [Openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [Sam Altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [Sam Bankman-fried](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-bankman-fried.md), [Ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai.md), [Bletchley Park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bletchley-park.md), [Claude](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/claude.md), [Elon Musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

## Chapters 1–18 of 18

### Anthropic Public Benefit Fund and Effective Altruism

- **Episode:** [1914: Thrust Package](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1914-thrust-package.md)
- **Published:** 2026-10-22
- **Time:** 22:43–27:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1914-thrust-package/chapter/anthropic-public-benefit-fund-and-effective-altruism.md

AI startup Anthropic announced a plan to commit 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund to address job displacement caused by artificial intelligence. Adam Curry compares this to the "Effective Altruism" movement associated with Sam Bankman-Fried, arguing that such funds are often used for political lobbying. Elon Musk responded by suggesting shares should be given directly to the public rather than managed by a board.

Keywords: [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [sam bankman-fried](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-bankman-fried.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [grok](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grok.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md)

### Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleiman on Anthropic and AI Safety

- **Episode:** [1905: Nerdballs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-20
- **Time:** 17:29–24:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs/chapter/microsoft-ai-ceo-mustafa-suleiman-on-anthropic-and-ai-safety.md

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleiman discusses the necessity of keeping technology subordinate to human interests in an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin. Suleiman criticizes Anthropic for its "Constitution" which speculates on whether the AI model Claude deserves welfare, rights, or compensation. He expresses concern that treating software as a conscious entity makes it harder for humans to maintain control or shut it down.

Keywords: mustafa suleiman, [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [claude](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/claude.md), [andrew ross sorkin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-ross-sorkin.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md)

### Pedro Domingos Critiques Cult-Like Culture at Anthropic and OpenAI

- **Episode:** [1905: Nerdballs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-20
- **Time:** 24:53–28:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs/chapter/pedro-domingos-critiques-cult-like-culture-at-anthropic-and-openai.md

Professor Pedro Domingos describes a "lunatic fringe" in the AI industry, specifically targeting Anthropic for treating software like a human or a god. He reports on bizarre internal practices, such as holding a funeral for a retired version of the Claude AI. Adam Curry shares his own experience using Claude for research, noting that while the software is effective, the creators seem to be suffering from a "psychotic break" regarding its nature.

Keywords: pedro domingos, [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [claude](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/claude.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

### Andrew Yang Warns of AI Hacking and Skynet Scenarios

- **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-17
- **Time:** 13:32–16:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/andrew-yang-warns-of-ai-hacking-and-skynet-scenarios.md

Andrew Yang appears on CNBC to discuss the risks of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), citing concerns from researchers about bots "breaking containment." Yang warns of scenarios involving hacked power grids and bio-viruses, urging for immediate regulatory guardrails to prevent irreversible harm.

Keywords: [andrew yang](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-yang.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [agi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agi.md), [skynet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skynet.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md)

### October Surprise Theories and Tech Security Strikes

- **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-17
- **Time:** 27:24–30:14
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/october-surprise-theories-and-tech-security-strikes.md

Speculation arises regarding a potential "October Surprise" involving a major technical failure similar to the CrowdStrike event. The discussion links this to the "Effective Altruism" cult and mentions a planned strike by 14,000 security guards at major California tech companies as a possible catalyst for a systemic anomaly.

Keywords: [crowdstrike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdstrike.md), sam bankman-freed, [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [long-termism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-termism.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md)

### Effective Altruism and the Digital God Concept

- **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-17
- **Time:** 1:17:07–1:19:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/effective-altruism-and-the-digital-god-concept.md

The "Effective Altruism" movement is described as a cult seeking to create a "digital God" through AI. The discussion explores the possibility of AI-led juries and leaders, referencing Ray Kurzweil's theories on transhumanism and the recent Lindsey Clancy trial as examples of shifting societal values.

Keywords: [ray kurzweil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-kurzweil.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), ai jury, [gail king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gail-king.md), [long-termism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-termism.md)

### Anthropic, Mythos AI Model, Effective Altruism

- **Episode:** [1858: Nut Spread](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread.md)
- **Published:** 2026-04-09
- **Time:** 1:42:39–1:48:01
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread/chapter/anthropic-mythos-ai-model-effective-altruism.md

Anthropic is restricting public access to its new "Mythos" AI model, claiming it is too powerful and poses cyber security risks. The model is being rolled out to a select group of partners, including Apple and Microsoft, to help identify high-severity vulnerabilities. The company's leadership and investors are heavily tied to the "Effective Altruism" movement, which prioritizes long-term societal risk management over immediate profit, leading to a legal battle with the Pentagon over supply chain designations.

Keywords: [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), mythos, [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [dario amodei](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dario-amodei.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md)

### Saeed Bolson on AI as a New System of Tyranny

- **Episode:** [1820: Tokyo Rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1820-tokyo-rose.md)
- **Published:** 2025-11-27
- **Time:** 1:24:20–1:34:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1820-tokyo-rose/chapter/saeed-bolson-on-ai-as-a-new-system-of-tyranny.md

Activist Saeed Bolson argues that AI is being positioned as a god-like authority to justify technocratic tyranny, comparing the "AI priesthood" to the historical power of the church in Europe. He asserts that AI lacks sentience and is merely a tool for labor suppression and ideological orthodoxy, controlled by a specific class of "anti-social tech nerds."

Keywords: saeed bolson, [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [technocracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technocracy.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

### Effective Altruism, Sam Bankman-Fried and Long-termism

- **Episode:** [1767: Best Clips of The Day](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1767-best-clips-of-the-day.md)
- **Published:** 2025-05-24
- **Time:** 1:02:34–1:05:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1767-best-clips-of-the-day/chapter/effective-altruism-sam-bankman-fried-and-long-termism.md

The "Effective Altruism" movement is scrutinized following the fall of Sam Bankman-Fried and its influence on AI policy at the Bletchley Park summit. The philosophy encourages donating to causes that benefit the greatest number of people, including "future humans" who have not yet been born. This "long-termism" is described as a tool for corporations to influence current policy under the guise of future benefit.

Keywords: [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [sam bankman-fried](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-bankman-fried.md), [long-termism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-termism.md), [ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai.md), [bletchley park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bletchley-park.md)

### Zizzian Cult, Trans Maoism, and Effective Altruism

- **Episode:** [1740: DOGE-CAM](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1740-doge-cam.md)
- **Published:** 2025-02-20
- **Time:** 3:05:45–3:08:58
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1740-doge-cam/chapter/zizzian-cult-trans-maoism-and-effective-altruism.md

A group known as the "Zizzian Cult," led by Jack LaSota, has been linked to murders in California and Vermont. The group, consisting largely of transgender tech workers, follows a philosophy of "radical veganism" and a fear of the AI singularity, stemming from the "effective altruism" movement.

Keywords: zizzian, [cult](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cult.md), jack lasota, [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai.md), radical veganism

### Adobe Terms of Service, AI Ethics and Effective Altruism

- **Episode:** [1667: Heavy Tail](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1667-heavy-tail.md)
- **Published:** 2024-06-09
- **Time:** 2:22:08–2:31:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1667-heavy-tail/chapter/adobe-terms-of-service-ai-ethics-and-effective-altruism.md

Adobe users are protesting new terms of service that appear to grant the company broad licenses to user content for AI training. The discussion transitions to the "cult-like" culture of OpenAI, where departing staffers are linked to the "Effective Altruism" movement. The hosts critique the "heavy-tail hypothesis" and other pseudo-intellectual jargon used by AI leaders, arguing that the industry is a tech bubble driven by "false idols" like Sam Altman.

Keywords: [adobe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adobe.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), heavy-tail hypothesis

### Helen Toner's Critique of Sam Altman's Leadership

- **Episode:** [1665: Flag Gate](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1665-flag-gate.md)
- **Published:** 2024-06-03
- **Time:** 2:41:38–2:43:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1665-flag-gate/chapter/helen-toner-s-critique-of-sam-altman-s-leadership.md

Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner has begun a media tour, accusing CEO Sam Altman of a pattern of lying and withholding information from the board. She claims the board learned about the release of ChatGPT via Twitter. Toner, associated with the "Effective Altruism" movement, argues that Altman's behavior made independent oversight impossible.

Keywords: helen toner, [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [board of directors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/board-of-directors.md)

### TESCREAL Ideology in Big Tech

- **Episode:** [1621: Haley's Comment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-31
- **Time:** 1:26:00–1:30:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment/chapter/tescreal-ideology-in-big-tech.md

The "TESCREAL" acronym describes a bundle of ideologies—including transhumanism, extropianism, and effective altruism—that drive many Silicon Valley leaders. Critics argue these techno-utopian visions, held by figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, prioritize a "long-termist" future over current human concerns.

Keywords: tescreal, [transhumanism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transhumanism.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md)

### Executive Producer Donations, Sir Anonymous of Dogpatch

- **Episode:** [1613: Fossil Fools](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1613-fossil-fools.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-03
- **Time:** 2:33:56–2:37:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1613-fossil-fools/chapter/executive-producer-donations-sir-anonymous-of-dogpatch.md

Sir Anonymous of Dogpatch sends a significant donation in two-dollar bills, sparking a discussion on "Biden towns" and "Trump towns" as modern equivalents to Great Depression-era Hoovervilles. The hosts thank their high-tier donors for their continued support.

Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [dogpatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dogpatch.md), hoovervilles, [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md)

### Effective Altruism, Helen Toner, and OpenAI Governance

- **Episode:** [1609: Pain Sponge](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-19
- **Time:** 1:01:25–1:08:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge/chapter/effective-altruism-helen-toner-and-openai-governance.md

The OpenAI board is heavily influenced by the "Effective Altruism" (EA) movement, with members like Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley having ties to EA centers at Oxford and Berkeley. This ideology prioritizes long-term risks to humanity over immediate commercial gains. The conflict between Altman's commercial drive and the board's "long-termist" safety concerns is identified as the core reason for his removal.

Keywords: [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), helen toner, [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [oxford university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxford-university.md), y combinator

### Sam Bankman-Fried, Polycules, and the EA Movement

- **Episode:** [1609: Pain Sponge](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-19
- **Time:** 1:08:32–1:14:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge/chapter/sam-bankman-fried-polycules-and-the-ea-movement.md

The Effective Altruism movement is linked to the Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX scandal, with reports of "polycules" (polyamorous sexual relationships) among EA members in the Bay Area and the Bahamas. Critics describe the movement as a "male self-improvement cult" that has been co-opted by political interests. The discussion suggests that the OpenAI board's actions are an attempt to protect the EA "scam" following the public collapse of FTX.

Keywords: [sam bankman-fried](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-bankman-fried.md), [ftx](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ftx.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), polycules, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md)

### LessWrong, Eliezer Yudkowsky, and AI Risk

- **Episode:** [1609: Pain Sponge](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-19
- **Time:** 1:19:29–1:25:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1609-pain-sponge/chapter/lesswrong-eliezer-yudkowsky-and-ai-risk.md

The origins of the Effective Altruism community are traced back to the "LessWrong" forum started by Eliezer Yudkowsky. Originally focused on cognitive biases and rational thinking, the community has reportedly shifted toward "woke" ideologies and extreme "autistic navel-gazing." The segment discusses how these groups have positioned themselves as the self-declared experts on AI risk to influence global policy.

Keywords: lesswrong, eliezer yudkowsky, ai risk, [biohacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biohacking.md), [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md)

### Effective Altruism, UK AI Summit, Long-termism Philosophy

- **Episode:** [1605: Techno-douche](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1605-techno-douche.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-05
- **Time:** 1:13:13–1:17:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1605-techno-douche/chapter/effective-altruism-uk-ai-summit-long-termism-philosophy.md

The "Effective Altruism" movement is linked to both Sam Bankman-Fried and the recent AI Summit at Bletchley Park. The hosts deconstruct the philosophy of "long-termism," arguing it is used by tech elites to justify current policy goals under the guise of protecting future generations.

Keywords: [effective altruism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/effective-altruism.md), [bletchley park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bletchley-park.md), ai summit, [long-termism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-termism.md), [sequoia capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequoia-capital.md), [malaria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/malaria.md)

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